CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES OF MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2005

Meeting called to order by Mayor Jack Breault in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 7:00 p.m.

PRESENT: Mayor Breault and Alderpersons Dennis O’Connell, Paul Radermacher, Roger Riedel, Scot O’Malley and Carah Koch.

ABSENT: Alderperson Mike Laatsch was excused.

OTHERS PRESENT: Devin Willi, Catherine Munkittrick, Dennis Darnold, Linda Donaldson, Jim Frye, Bill Wanner, Randy Hanson, Jim Eulberg, Angela Popenhagen, Gordon Conard, and others.

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT: Mayor Breault called for comments from citizens three times; none were given.

CONSENT AGENDA: MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to approve the following Consent Agenda items:

MINUTES: Approve the Regular Meeting minutes of 9/19/05.

Final Plat for Hudson Business Center, north of I-94 and east of Highway 12, 13 commercial lots (Extraterritorial Plat Review) – Richmar Industries: Approve the final plat for Hudson Business Center, 13 commercial lots in the Town of Hudson, as proposed by Richmar Industries.

Claims: Approve the following claims for payment:

Fund	Description	payables	payroll	Totals
100	General	106,967.02	132,656.32	239,623.34
230	Wisc DVL/RVL	1,633.50	0.00	1,633.50
280	Park Donations	850.00	0.00	850.00
410	Tax Increment Financing	5,737.84	0.00	5,737.84
450	Capital Projects	4,247.06	0.00	4,247.06
610	Sewer	1,888.09	9,928.27	11,816.36
620	Parking Utility	1,054.70	917.62	1,972.32
630	Ambulance	6,876.35	17,132.16	24,008.51
	Totals	$129,254.56	$160,634.37	$289,888.93

Applications for Operators Licenses: Approve the issuance of a Regular Operator’s License for the period 10/4/05 to 6/30/07 to:

Timothy Michael Speikers 7161 Joplin Ave. S. Cottage Grove, MN

Christine Marie Maki 900 Wild Rose Ave #124 River Falls, WI

St. Croix E.M.S. write-offs: Approve the St. Croix E.M.S. write-offs in the amount of $9,951.57, as recommended by LifeQuest, following Phase III of their collection procedures.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: To place on file the Quarterly Reports of the Director of Parks and Public Works, the Community Access Board minutes of 9/27/05, and St. Croix E.M.S. Commission minutes of 9/16/05.

Roll call vote, all ayes (5) – MOTION CARRIED.

Request to have survey conducted to determine location of unimproved alleyways, extension of Pitt Street and north/south alley north of Pitt Street to Fillmore Street between 11^th and 12^th Streets – Plan Commission: Dennis Darnold addressed Council concerning the unimproved alleyway between 11^th and 12^th Streets and Pitt and Fillmore Street. He stated that the Plan Commission visited the area and found it too difficult to determine the exact location of the alleyways. He noted that the Commission believes the location must be determined accurately before they can proceed with making a decision about use or improvement. Mr. Darnold stated that an estimated cost for a survey would be $1,500. It was noted that the cost of the survey could be charged to the benefiting property owners, if the alleyways are vacated. MOTION by Koch, second by Radermacher to authorize hiring a surveyor to determine the exact location of the unimproved alleyway at 11^th and 12^th Streets between Pitt and Fillmore Street. In discussion, Mayor Breault stated that funds are available in the 2005 Budget. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Consider request for salary increases for Fire Department Officers: fire Chief Jim Frye presented information about a proposal to increase the salaries of the Fire Department Officers in 2006. He noted that it was difficult to make comparisons with other area Fire Departments, since they were all structured differently. Mr. Frye stated he believed the number of hours and the duties involved warranted an increase for him and the officers. He explained that the officers have assigned duties in a number of different areas. Mayor Breault stated that the 2006 Budget has not yet been completed, and the increases should be considered with the budget. O’Malley pointed out that the proposed increases would be 52% higher than the current salaries. He O’Malley stated he would like to postpone a decision for a few meetings until they have had a chance to review the 2006 Budget figures. Chief Frye agreed to the postponement and stated he believed the increases were warranted.

Update on projects: Engineer Angela Popenhagen reported that the traffic signal at the Carmichael/Hanley Road intersection has been completed. Construction has begun on the north building in the Prairie View Center on Carmichael Road. In the Ban Tara Development, the base course of paving was complete. Before the left turn lane is opened they must have the signals functioning and the wear course paved. She noted that would take a couple of weeks.

Amendment to Municipal Code, Ch. 145-8 E.(1) regarding public notice of licenses availability, Ordinance No. 16-05: Attorney Munkittrick explained that she rechecked the proposed ordinance as it pertained to State procedures and other sections of the Hudson Municipal Code. She noted the 15-day waiting period for publication of the notice, and the applicant’s 15-day waiting period. MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to adopt the following:

ordinance no. 16-05

amending Ch. 145-8 e.1 public notice of license availability

(copy on file in Clerk’s office)

Roll call vote, all ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Addendum to Hudson Area Joint Library Agreement: mayor Breault reported on his meetings with the Intergovernmental Advisory Board regarding the current Joint Library Board Agreement. He explained that all the municipalities are required to follow the State-imposed 2% levy limit increase. He noted that they discussed the need to impose the same restrictions for funding the Joint Library. Attorney Munkittrick was requested to review the proposed Addendum to the Joint Library Agreement for adoption by the municipalities. Administrator Willi noted the change in the dollar amount from each community, a 2% increase in 2006 and another in 2007. MOTION by Riedel, second by Radermacher, to approve the Addendum to the Joint Library Agreement, as submitted. Discussion included the option of withdrawing from membership in the Joint Library, and it was noted that the municipality must give one year’s notice before withdrawing. The 2% funding increase was considered a good alternative instead of withdrawing. Library Director Linda Donaldson stated she understood the levy limitations, but noted there still is an increase in population and services. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Proposed changes to 2006 Fire Service Contracts: attorney Munkittrick explained that during a recent meeting of the Hudson Area Joint Fire Board, they requested that the Fire Service Contract payments be changed to two installments instead of one per year. She noted that some of the contracts were not based on a calendar year, and suggested that they be changed. Ms. Munkittrick stated there were no provisions for withdrawing, since the contracts were for one year at a time. Ms. Munkittrick stated that the Joint Fire Board did not discuss making the contracts for longer periods of time, possible funding for a future building, or implementing a 120-180 day negotiation period, which they should.

Mayor Breault stated that the Intergovernmental Advisory Board recently discussed the pursuit of property and a future facility. He stated that they believed that was a good approach, and suggested that the Fire Chief and Mayor write a proposal to St. Croix County requesting first choice if they decide to sell the property at the Vine Street/Carmichael Road intersection. He also noted that the Library Board should do the same. MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to approve changes to the Fire Service Contracts to allow payments to be made at the end of February and August of each year, and to recommend that Hudson Area Joint Fire Board change the contracts to include a 120 day negotiation period in time for budget purposes, and that the contracts be moved to calendar years instead of fiscal years. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Fire Department request to sell 1988 mini-pumper fire truck: chief Frye requested permission to sell an older fire vehicle. He also explained their desire to use a broker to reach a wider audience and get the best price. He stated that they would like to use the funds from the sale of the truck to purchase a Haz-Mat Trailer. MOTION by Riedel, second by Radermacher, to approve the sale of the 1988 2-ton mini-pumper fire truck through a broker, as proposed by Fire Chief Frye. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Review bids and award contract for Willow River Lower Power Dam Slope Stabilization Project: engineer Angela Popenhagen reported that five bids were submitted for the Willow River Lower Power Dam Slope Stabilization Project, and the low bidder was B.S. Construction, Inc., Elmwood, WI in the amount of $22,195.00. She reported that the bids were reviewed and found to be in order. She explained that in speaking with representatives from the Village of Elmwood WI, where B.S. Construction has done a lot of work, they received a good report. MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to approve awarding the Willow River Lower Power Dam Slope Stabilization Project to B.S. Construction, Inc., Elmwood, WI, in the amount of $22,195.00. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Review bids and award contract for Coulee Road Storm Sewer Repair Project: ms. Popenhagen reviewed the bids submitted for the Coulee Road Storm Sewer Repair Project. She stated that the repairs involved inserting a lining into the 42 to 48-inch pipe from the area of Casanova’s to the west side of Second Street. The lining would adhere to the existing pipe. She noted that the contract requires traffic flow to be maintained throughout the project. It was also noted that Coulee Road would not be closed, but there would be congestion; they have until December 31^st to complete the project. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher to award the Coulee Road Storm Sewer Repair Project to Lametti & Sons, Inc., in the amount of $122,750. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Amendment to Municipal Code, Ch. 145-11 B. regarding granting of license – Ordinance No. 17-05: attorney Munkittrick explained Ordinance No. 17-05 concerning the proposed changes to Ch. 145-11 B in Municipal Code. She stated the ordinance was intended to establish criteria for reviewing all alcoholic beverage licenses, not just “Class B” intoxicating liquor. It would also address any requests for transfer of licenses to a different location. She noted it was important to amend this section of the Code as soon as possible. MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Ordinance No. 17-05. MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to adopt the following:

ordinance no. 17-05

amending Ch. 145-11 B ISSUANCE OF LICENSES & CRITERIA

(copy on file in Clerk’s office)

All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Disallowance of Claim of Deanna Carter – Resolution No. 17-05: Attorney Munkittrick reported that the insurance company is recommending that Council disallow the claim of Deanna Carter. She noted that the statutory deadline was approaching, and recommended suspending the rules toward adoption. MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 17-05. MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Riedel, to adopt the following:

resolution no. 17-05

disallowance of claim of deanna l. carter

(copy on file in Clerk’s office)

All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Appointment to Public Utility Commission: Mayor Requested confirmation of his reappointment of Tim Caruso to the Public Utility Commission. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Koch, to confirm Mayor Breault’s reappointment of Tim Caruso to another five-year term on the Public Utility Commission. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS: o’malley congratulated everyone involved with last weekend’s successful Oktoberfest event. He also noted that the last Classic Car Show of the season would be Friday, October 7^th.

Administrator Willi reported on the receipt of the Department budget proposals. He stated that there was currently a large gap between revenues and expenses. Mayor Breault stated that the intent was to have the City’s mill rate remain the same. He also noted that a special Budget meeting might be necessary.

MOTION by Radermacher, second by Riedel, to adjourn the meeting. All ayes. MOTION CARRIED. Meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.

Nancy Norvold, City Clerk

I hereby certify that the City Clerk has submitted the foregoing minutes to me, and I hereby by my signature approve said minutes and all acts of the Common Council as sent forth therein.

Jack D. Breault, Mayor